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Simpler Recycling Explained | New Recycling Rules for England

Simpler Recycling: What Is It and What Does It Mean?

Simpler Recycling is a major change to recycling and waste collection in England, designed to make recycling more consistent, easier to understand and more effective.

From 31 March 2025, new workplace recycling requirements came into force across England. Businesses, charities and public sector organisations are required to separate key recyclable materials, food waste and non-recyclable waste before collection. Micro-firms with fewer than 10 full-time equivalent employees have additional time to comply, with the requirements applying to them from 31 March 2027.

For organisations, this means reviewing how waste is collected and separated throughout the workplace. Having the right recycling bins, clear waste streams and easy-to-understand signage can make compliance easier while encouraging employees, customers and visitors to recycle correctly.

What Is Simpler Recycling?

Simpler Recycling is the name given to the reforms intended to create a more consistent approach to recycling across England.

For workplaces, the new rules mean that waste must be separated before collection into appropriate waste streams.

The principal categories include:

  • Dry recyclable materials – including plastic, metal, glass, paper and card
  • Food waste
  • Residual waste – waste that cannot be recycled through these collections

Depending on the arrangements made with a waste collector, different recyclable materials may be collected together or separately. However, dry recyclable waste, food waste and non-recyclable waste must be kept appropriately separated before collection.

What Waste Needs to Be Separated?

Under the workplace Simpler Recycling requirements, organisations must make arrangements to separate the relevant recyclable waste from food waste and residual waste.

The core dry recyclable materials include:

  • Paper and card
  • Plastic
  • Metal
  • Glass

Food waste must also be separated from dry recycling and residual waste.

The exact collection arrangement can vary depending on your waste collector. For example, certain dry recyclable materials may be collected together, while paper and card may be collected separately depending on the collection arrangements in place.

Who Needs to Follow Simpler Recycling?

The workplace requirements apply broadly to businesses, charities and public sector organisations in England, covering a wide range of premises including offices, shops, schools, healthcare settings, hospitality businesses and other workplaces.

The rules came into force for relevant workplaces on 31 March 2025.

There is a temporary exemption for micro-firms with fewer than 10 full-time equivalent employees. These organisations have until 31 March 2027 to comply with the workplace requirements.

Choosing Bins for Simpler Recycling

There is no single recycling-bin configuration that is suitable for every organisation. A small office will have very different requirements from a school, warehouse, shopping centre or large commercial workplace.

Consider the amount and type of waste generated, the available floor space and where people naturally dispose of waste.

Options can include individual recycling bins, multi-compartment recycling units, modular recycling stations, food waste bins and larger-capacity commercial recycling containers.

Using matching or modular containers can be particularly useful because it creates a recognisable recycling point and allows different waste streams to be positioned together.

Enviroplex Bins

All in one unit to comply with simpler recycling regulations. Optional signage and waste aperature configurations
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RCY Recycling Bins

Smart, stylish and perfect for modern workplaces. Keep within the regulations while looking sharp with these bins.
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Box Recycling Bins

Box bins with interchangable lids to change the style/layout when you please.
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Meridian Envirobins

Smart and space efficent Meridian envirobins perfect for the small areas. Signage to show users where waste goes.
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Slim Cost Efficent Option

Slim Recycling Bins. Cost efficent option to comply with regulations. Stocked ready for despatch.
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All Simpler Recycling Bins

All units with interchangable waste streams to have you fully comply to these regulations.
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    Need help choosing the right recycling bins? If you’re preparing your workplace for Simpler Recycling and need advice on suitable bins, waste streams or recycling stations, contact our team and we’ll be happy to help.

    Official guidance: The information in this article is based on the latest UK Government guidance for Simpler Recycling and workplace recycling requirements in England. For the most up-to-date information, visit the official GOV.UK Simpler Recycling guidance -Infortmation on this page correct as of 16/09/26 .

    Related Simpler Recycling Guides

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